Robert James-Collier: I had to ask if my Downton character was still gay

Downton Abbey actor Robert James-Collier has revealed he had to ask the show’s creator
Julian Fellowes if his character was still gay.

The former Coronation Street star joked at a press launch for the new series that he had to check his character’s situation.

Robert James-Collier had to check if his Downton Abbey character was still gay (Getty)

He revealed to the Sun: ‘I had to ring upstairs and ask Julian, “Am I still gay?” I said, ‘Right, OK.’

Collier plays footman Thomas Barrow in the drama and explored his sexuality in the first series by making an advance on Turkish diplomat Kemal Pamuk, but his storyline took a back seat in series two after the First World War broke out.

‘The gay thing was largely ignored,’ the actor explained, before adding that his character has a ‘beautiful storyline’ in the new series, which promises a ‘massive pay-off’ for Downton fans.

Scheming Thomas’s feelings will be aroused once again when a handsome new footman arrives in the shape of Jimmy Kent, played by Ed Speleers.

James-Collier revealed: ‘Thomas takes him under his wing and looks after him. Knowing Thomas and knowing he has a preference for a certain type of person in life, I think Jimmy fits that bill perfectly, if you know what I mean.

‘I hope the audience will identify with why Thomas is the way he is – he has this secret which he can’t tell anyone about because it’s illegal,’ he added.